I've Traveled Solo for 20+ Years, and These Are the Only Items I Trust to Keep Me Safe—From $5

Travel + Leisure

09-07-2025

I remember feeling nervous before heading on my first solo trip overseas. A college newbie using my Delta standby privileges to see London my way, I was armed only with a backpack, a calling card, and a list of addresses I had long dreamed of visiting. I learned a lot about myself during that trip—mainly that I loved traveling, regardless of whether I was alone or with someone else, but I also learned what to bring to make a solo trip go smoother.
As a professional travel writer, I have now traveled to 89 countries, and more than 50 of those were unaccompanied. Much has changed in the travel space since my first trip alone to London, and I've since swapped my old-school calling card and backpack for some updated pieces that help me travel safely and comfortably when I'm the only one on the reservation. The good news? Many of my top picks for solo journeys are available at Amazon and are currently on sale for Prime Day, from an anti-theft bag I actually trust to a personal safety alarm that's currently 33 percent off.
Any additional protection you can give yourself while traveling alone will be a good investment, even if it's just for peace of mind. I always find myself reaching for anything from Baggallini when I'm packing for a trip alone, since the brand makes some of the most durable RFID-blocking travel bags I've tested. This RFID crossbody is currently on sale and comes with an additional RFID wristlet.
My dad bought me a pepper spray keychain to carry when I was walking around campus alone during my college days. After the initial eyeroll, I found that I liked having something that could help me in case I ever needed it. The habit stuck, and I now travel with a personal safety alarm whenever I'm venturing off alone. This one features two loud speakers and a strobe light to deter any threats, but it's also TSA-friendly and 33 percent off.
My DIY hotel room security systems are almost comical at times, where I rig my hotel room door with whatever I can find in the room to add one more barrier between myself and anyone who may try to get in (or anyone who was accidentally given the key to my room). I've used hangers, furniture, and even my suitcase wedged against the door and the wall, but this door security bar seems like it would easily do the trick without having to get crafty, and I like that it works on sliding glass doors as well.
While traveling alone, my phone becomes so much more than just a device to stay connected. I need it for navigation, emergency calls, and payments. I also use it as a tracking device for my family back home to know where I am—a tool that could be a lifesaver, but is definitely a battery drainer. I always carry a portable battery pack with me so I'm never tethered to outlets while I'm out exploring.
There's no one to ask, 'Hey, have you seen my [fill in the blank]' while you're traveling by yourself, which is why I love the idea of putting an Apple AirTag on any commonly lost items (i.e., keys, wallets, etc.). Most travelers use AirTags to keep track of checked luggage, but they're also super handy for avoiding a frantic sweep before hotel check-out.
My college backpack served me well on my first solo trip abroad, but as a travel writer pushing 40, I needed something with a bit more back support and security. I borrowed my husband's Thule laptop backpack for months before finally just buying my own. While my go-to Thule style isn't on sale, this traveler-loved Matein backpack is packed with features (and marked down to just $18), including ample storage space, hidden anti-theft pockets, a built-in USB charger, and comfy, ventilated shoulder straps perfect for hours of sightseeing tours.
I fully realize many phone services have international plans built in, but not all, which is a lesson I learned while traveling back to the U.S. from where I currently live in Europe. I wouldn't have had phone service or data in my home country without this easy-to-use eSIM. I had plenty of data to use to help me navigate while driving and always had service to call anyone if I needed help—a solo traveler must.
You won't find me wearing a money belt or secret zippered hair scrunchy while I'm traveling alone. The main item I want to keep safe is my phone, and these days, that means protecting my data from juice jacking. This tiny device turns a standard data-sharing charging cable into a one-way charging cable, which is perfect for when I'm charging my devices in public spaces or in a rental car. While this handy device isn't currently on sale, you can't beat a two-pack for less than $10.
My pilot dad taught me this trick for packing, and now I always bring a headlamp with me when I'm venturing off alone. Even in a city, where I've used it in dark parking lots when I wanted to have my hands free (instead of just using the flashlight on my phone).
Carabiners are small and mighty ways to give yourself an extra hand while traveling, which is why my backpack always has at least one Nite Ize carabiner dangling from it while I'm flying solo. I always find myself carrying too much when I'm by myself, and these super durable carabiners come in handy more often than not. I've used it to carry shopping bags, water bottles, a vacuum-sealed coffee tumbler, and even a mini cooler one time so I could free up my hands. Keeping your hands free while solo and on the move enhances alertness by minimizing distractions and improves reaction time for unexpected situations.
If you're traveling solo, a portable carbon monoxide detector is a smart safety backup in case your hotel or rental has poor ventilation or a faulty heater. It's a small thing to pack that could make a big difference if something goes wrong. This one from First Alert is currently 40 percent off.
There are only a few things worse than being alone in a hotel room while sick—no one to run down to a pharmacy to get you the medication you need. I always recommend packing a first aid kit, but for solo travelers, I recommend adding some travel-sized medications in case of an emergency. Hopefully, you'll never need Imodium or Gravol while traveling, but when you're alone and needing it, you don't want to have to leave your room to find a place to buy it.
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